Competencies

Treatment of snoring with a snoring splint - sleep apnea treatment

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops for a brief moment during sleep. The consequences for those affected are wide-ranging, and restful sleep is virtually impossible. This can lead to many health problems.

Fortunately, there are solutions. Sleep apnea can be effectively treated with a snoring splint.

Fewer breathing interruptions with sleep apnea thanks to snoring splint

The breathing interruptions that are common in sleep apnoea syndrome are a problem for those affected. Snoring is characteristic of sleep apnoea. Snoring splints are therefore used to provide relief.

A snoring splint tailored to your individual needs clears the upper airways so that you can breathe regularly and shallowly during sleep - without any breathing interruptions, so that you can rest properly at night.

Sleep with breathing interruptions - sleep apnea

With this sleep disorder, breathing stops for longer than 10 seconds. The result is a lack of oxygen supply to the entire bloodstream - including the brain.
Unnoticed, this triggers constantly recurring wake-up reactions. A restful deep sleep is no longer possible - performance during the day is considerably impaired.

Sleep apnea can have serious consequences:

- High blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, increased risk of heart attack
- Increased risk of stroke
- Microsleep while driving and at work
- Depression and listlessness
- Disturbed sexuality

In short: the quality of life is reduced and life expectancy is lowered.

Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea with dental splints as a solution

Disturbing snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea can be treated with dental splints, also known as protrusion splints. A digital dental impression can be taken to customize the splints to your individual needs. This forms the basis for a snoring splint to treat your sleep apnoea.

These are produced based on your digital dental impressions.
The dental splints hold the lower jaw, tongue and soft palate forward during sleep. This keeps the throat wide open, the slack throat muscles are stabilized and the lungs are supplied with enough air to saturate the blood with sufficient oxygen.
We custom -manufacture the anti-snoring mouthpieces for you using 3D printing technology in our in-house master laboratory.

As specialized orthodontists, we advise and adjust the protrusion splint so that you and your partner can sleep more peacefully and restfully at night.

Click here to go directly to the frequently asked questions / FAQs about the snoring splint

Are you sleeping well or are you still snoring?

Snoring occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the narrowed throat vibrate. During sleep, the muscles relax, the lower jaw drops backward along with the tongue, and the airway narrows. Low tissue tone and excess weight exacerbate this, which is why snoring becomes more common with age. It is not always caused by sleep apnea. During a consultation, we will explain the treatment options available to you.

Frequency of snoring

60% of all men and 40% of all women over the age of 60 snore. Among 30-year-olds, only 10% of men and 5% of women do.

Those affected often don't even notice their snoring - but suffer from the consequences such as dry mouth, hoarseness and a sore throat. However, partners usually feel more disturbed by the snoring noises. A solution must therefore be found together. Dentists can help you!

Frequently asked questions / FAQ about the snoring splint

How much does a snoring splint cost?

The cost depends on the type, material, and manufacturer. A custom-fitted anti-snoring mouthguard made by an orthodontist typically costs between 1,000 and 2,200 € in Germany.

How good are snoring splints?

Snoring mouthpieces are a proven treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A custom-fitted mouthpiece gently pulls the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open—which prevents the soft palate and tongue from sliding backward. This reduces snoring and breathing pauses. Compared to CPAP therapy or surgery, it is less invasive and easier to use. When properly fitted, it noticeably improves sleep quality.

Who prescribes a snoring splint?

A snoring mouthguard can be prescribed by a dentist, orthodontist, or sleep specialist. Orthodontists have special expertise in fabricating and fitting these devices, since snoring is often related to misalignment of the jaw or teeth. The underlying causes should be thoroughly investigated before fitting the device.

What helps immediately against snoring?

There are a few things you can do to quickly reduce snoring:

Sleeping position: Sleeping on your side or with your head slightly elevated improves airflow.
Relaxing the jaw muscles: specific exercises can help.
Nasal strips or clips: improve nasal breathing.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives: they relax the throat muscles and make snoring worse.
Snoring mouthguard: A custom-fitted mouthguard often significantly reduces snoring.

We'll determine which option is best after a diagnosis.

Can the dentist help with snoring?

Yes—a dentist can improve oral health and fit a snoring mouthguard. An orthodontist also has experience with jaw misalignments and respiratory problems, which are often the underlying causes of snoring. They identify the cause and offer appropriate treatment—such as a snoring mouthguard, jaw correction, or exercises for the jaw muscles.

Can the ENT doctor help with snoring?

Yes—an ENT specialist examines the respiratory tract and may, for example, recommend nasal surgery or CPAP therapy. If snoring is related to the jaw or teeth, an orthodontist can provide additional treatment with a snoring mouthguard or jaw correction. Often, both specialists work together to comprehensively address the cause and treatment.

How effective are snoring splints?

They are effective for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.1 The mouthpiece gently moves the lower jaw forward and keeps the airway open, thereby reducing snoring and breathing pauses. For most patients, this successfully reduces or eliminates snoring. It is less invasive than CPAP or surgery; precise, individualized fitting and a proper fit are crucial.

Mandibular advancement splints are a guideline-recommended alternative to CPAP therapy for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.1

Which snoring splint is the best?

The best mouthguard depends on your needs—in most cases, a custom-made mouthguard from an orthodontist is the right choice. It should fit comfortably, not interfere with your sleep, and be made of high-quality, hygienic material. Because it is tailored to your anatomy, it offers the best comfort and effectiveness.

Where can I get a snoring splint?

Anti-snoring mouthpieces are available from online retailers, pharmacies, or your dentist. An orthodontist is the best person to consult for fitting and fitting adjustments: They will determine the cause and ensure that the mouthpiece fits properly and is the right treatment option for you.

How long does a snoring splint last?

The lifespan depends on the material, usage, and care. A high-quality, custom-fitted splint usually lasts a long time. However, it can wear out over time—have it checked regularly and refitted as needed to ensure it remains effective. We’ll provide you with care tips.

How do you stop someone from snoring?

The best way to stop snoring is to address the underlying cause. To do this, an orthodontist determines the cause—such as a narrowed airway or a misaligned jaw or teeth —and recommends an appropriate treatment: a snoring mouthguard (which moves the lower jaw forward and keeps the airway open), jaw correction, or targeted exercises for the jaw muscles. This approach can reduce or eliminate snoring in most people.

Can you stop snoring?

To some extent—certain exercises can strengthen or relax the jaw and throat muscles and reduce snoring; however, they must be performed in a targeted and regular manner. Treatment tailored to the underlying cause is often more effective: After a diagnosis, options such as a snoring mouthguard, jaw correction, or supplementary exercises may be considered. This combination usually yields more lasting results.

Types of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs in various degrees of severity and is measured using the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), which indicates the number of breathing interruptions per hour. An AHI of up to five is considered harmless. Values above this are categorized as mild (AHI 5 to 15), moderate (AHI 15 to 30) and severe (AHI over 30), depending on the frequency of breathing interruptions. The more severe the disorder, the higher the risk of possible secondary diseases such as strokes and heart attacks.

Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea: How snoring splints and CPAP masks can help

Snoring affects many people and can be a burden not only for the person affected, but also for their partner. However, there are effective treatment options to reduce or even completely eliminate snoring. In this article, you will learn more about the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome, in particular the use of anti-snoring splints and CPAP masks.

Loud snoring and sleep apnea syndrome

Loud snoring occurs when the upper airways become constricted or partially blocked during sleep. In some cases, snoring can indicate a more serious condition known as sleep apnoea syndrome. This involves pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a lack of oxygen and an increased cardiovascular risk. Treating snoring and sleep apnoea is therefore not only important for the quality of life of those affected, but also for their health.

The role of the upper and lower jaw in the treatment of snoring

The position of the upper and lower jaw can have a significant influence on snoring. Moving the lower jaw forward can open the upper airways and reduce or prevent snoring. This is where so-called snoring splints are used, which are individually fitted and hold the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep.

Different snoring splints and their application

There are various snoring splints on the market that differ in shape and material. It is important that the splint is individually fitted to ensure the best possible wearing comfort and effective forward displacement of the lower jaw. Patients should therefore seek advice from a specialist orthodontist in Cologne, for example, in order to find the right anti-snoring splint.

The CPAP mask for sleep apnea

In severe cases of sleep apnoea, an anti-snoring splint alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, a CPAP mask (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) can be used. This mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth and ensures that the upper airways are kept open by a continuous flow of air. This prevents snoring and reduces breathing interruptions caused by sleep apnoea. However, a CPAP mask should only be used under medical guidance and supervision.

Cooperation with medical experts

To find the best possible sleep apnea treatment or treatment for snoring, sufferers should work closely with specialists and sleep laboratories. These experts can help to make the correct diagnosis and select the most suitable treatment method, be it a snoring splint, CPAP mask or other therapy.

Further measures to improve sleep

In addition to the above-mentioned measures to improve sleep and the use of aids such as snoring splints or CPAP masks, other customized solutions can be considered. One of these customized aids could be a custom snoring splint, also known as a mandibular advancement splint. This type of splint is customized to fit the patient's teeth and helps to keep the airway clear during sleep.

The individual snoring splint works by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This is known as protrusion and helps to widen the throat. This prevents the tongue and soft palate from falling backwards during sleep and blocking the airways. This keeps the airflow unobstructed, which can lead to more peaceful sleep and a reduction in snoring. For optimum effect, the individual snoring splint should be held in position for at least ten seconds.

To ensure the effectiveness of this anti-snoring mouthpiece, close collaboration with medical professionals such as ENT specialists and orthodontists is essential. They can conduct a thorough examination, determine the exact cause of the snoring, and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on this information. This may include a custom-made anti-snoring mouthpiece, as well as other methods such as a CPAP mask.

However, the choice of treatment method should always take into account the patient's individual circumstances and needs. Individual advice and support is therefore essential for the success of the therapy. Such a tailored approach can significantly improve the quality of life and health of those affected.

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